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Preview: Flyers at Oilers

Edmonton will tie Anaheim for second place in Pacific Division with win against Philadelphia

by
Derek Van Diest
/ NHL.com Correspondent

FLYERS (27-23-7) at OILERS (30-19-8)

9 p.m. ET; SNW, CSN-PH, NHL.TV

Flyers team scope

The Philadelphia Flyers play the second of a back-to-back set having lost four of their past five games (1-3-1) with four goals scored, and are 2-9-1 in their past 12 road games. "You have to guard against trying to do too much when you go through stretches like this," coach Dave Hakstol said. "We haven't been able to find the back of the net very much -- we're not giving up a whole lot -- but we've played very well in terms of generating opportunities." Philadelphia is two points behind the Toronto Maple Leafs for the second wild card into the Stanley Cup Playoffs from the Eastern Conference. "As a team we're coming off a tough loss last night [a 3-1 defeat at the Calgary Flames], so we're worried about getting the two points tonight and nothing less," defenseman Brandon Manning said.

Oilers team scope

The Edmonton Oilers will tie the idle Anaheim Ducks for second place in the Pacific Division with a win. "They're looking for a playoff spot and we're trying to hold one down," captain Connor McDavid said. "It's a big two points for each team." The Oilers are looking to take advantage of the Flyers playing their second game on back-to-back nights. "It's only an advantage if the home team takes advantage of it," coach Todd McLellan said. "Sometimes our team plays well on the second of a back to back. You're kind of loose, you already have the energy going. It's about starting and getting the first 10 minutes under your belt that you play, and then the last 10 minutes, what's left in the tank? If you can maintain a good game off the bad and get to that 50-minute mark, you can usually find the energy to finish the game." Edmonton begins a five-game road trip at the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday.

Status report

Russell participated in the morning skate, but will not play and is listed day to day. … Pouliot is still out after crashing into the boards at practice Sunday and will not travel with the Oilers on their road trip.

Who's hot

Draisaitl has 12 points (five goals, seven assists) in his past 12 games … McDavid has 13 points (four goals, nine assists) in his past 12 games … Klefbom has four points (one goal, three assists) in his past four games.